Why Mother’s Day? It actually goes back to ancient Greek and Roman festivals of celebration of motherhood. Fast forward through the centuries and Mother’s Day began as an early church and Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday”, held on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Over time, the tradition of “Mothering Sunday” transformed to more of a secular holiday: Children would present their mothers with flowers and other gifts of appreciation. The origin of Mother’s Day in America dates back to the 1800’s when Ann Reeves Jarvis helped start “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. After the War Between the States, Jarvis began a “Mother’s Friendship Day”, a day when mothers gathered former Union and Confederate soldiers to foster reconciliation. “Blessed are the peacemakers…” (Matt. 5:9)

The official Mother’s Day holiday began in 1908 by Anna, the daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Anna organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. From there, Anna organized a national campaign to get Mother’s Day on the national calendar. Her persistence finally paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure to officially establish Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May. “Honor your father AND YOUR MOTHER…” (Exodus 20:12)

I hope your Mother’s Day is a blessed time, especially to give and express thanks for mothers–and all those who’ve been like mothers–along your journey.

A COUPLE OF NEEDS I wanted to bring to your attention:

We need homebound communion servers, those who are willing once a month to take and share Holy Communion elements with our homebound members and friends. It’s so easy–and such a blessing! We can give you a very simple reading to take with you to bless the elements before you share the bread and cup from a mobile communion kit. So easy…and a great way to make a personal contact. It’s once a month to typically only one or two homebound persons each month. Contact Rev. Ken Stephens, ken@cfumc.com

We need GREETERS, especially for 11 a.m. sanctuary service: Just to show a friendly, welcoming face, ready to direct people where they need to go, answer questions, or direct people to where they can get questions answered. It’s only about one Sunday every two or three months. So easy–and one of those things that blesses you well beyond any blessing you might extend to others. To say “yes”, contact Cande Taylor at cande@cfumc.com

Yours in Christ,

Larry

E-Note April 25, 2018 Rev. Larry Patton

Hear testimonies from Youth Nicaragua Mission Team this Sunday, April 29th, all three services, as we celebrate our international partnership as well as our local blessing through Great Day of Service. From Isaiah 49 and Acts 13:47, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, so that you could bring salvation to the farthest ends of the earth.”

Over Spring Break, our youth visited an extremely remote area of the world where people have never heard the Gospel. Come hear their personal experiences in worship Sunday.

On another note, for those of you who haven’t heard, our associate pastor, Karen Kagiyama, is moving on to a new job as Pastoral Care Director for Wesley Woods, a North Georgia Conference ministry to aging adults. This is an exciting new opportunity and promotion for Karen. Her last Sunday with us will be June 17th. Our new associate will be Emily Briggs Smith, who goes by the name “Briggs.” Her first Sunday with us is June 24th. Briggs grew up in Marietta, both her parents are attorneys. She attended St. Francis High School, graduated Georgia College with a degree in Business Administration. While in college Briggs came to know Christ as her Savior through a group of young women in a Christian women’s sorority. As she grew in her faith and got involved at Milledgeville First UMC, she felt God calling her to full-time ministry. She enrolled at Duke Divinity School, graduates next month, and will be commissioned in June as an Elder at the North Georgia Annual Conference in Athens. I am excited to welcome Briggs. She has a passion for preaching, teaching, pastoral care and counseling, and enjoys working with all age levels to make and grow disciples of Jesus Christ. We will have a welcome reception for Briggs in the Gathering Room following services on June 24th.

The good news about Rev. Karen, though she is moving on to a new ministry, she and her family will continue to live in Carrollton and remain active in our congregation.

Please join me in wishing Karen and Briggs well–and praying for our Lord’s redemptive best through their ministries.